• Posted August 8, 2023

Bella Hadid Opens Up About Lyme Disease Battle

Top model Bella Hadid is talking about being "finally healthy" and feeling well after more than a decade of health issues, including Lyme disease.

Hadid shared her struggle on Instagram after what she described as "almost 15 years of invisible suffering," including "100+ days of Lyme, chronic disease, [and] co infection treatment."

She wrote: "The little me that suffered would be so proud of grown me for not giving up on myself."

Hadid was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012, along with her mother, Yolanda Hadid of Bravo TV's "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" and her brother, model Anwar Hadid.

"Thankful to my mommy for keeping all of my medical records, sticking by me, never leaving my side, protecting, supporting, but most of all, believing me through all of this," Bella Hadid wrote.

"Living in this state, worsening with time and work while trying to make myself, my family and the people who support me, proud, had taken a toll on me in ways I can't really explain," she continued. "To be that sad and sick with the most blessings/privilege/opportunity/love around me was quite possibly the most confusing thing ever."

Hadid, 26, told her Instagram followers that she's OK and wouldn't change anything about her struggle.

"The universe works in the most painful and beautiful ways but I need to say that if you are struggling -- it will get better," she wrote. "I promise. take a step away, stay strong, have faith in your path, walk in your truth and the clouds will start to clear up." Hadid also thanked many others who had helped her during her struggles to feel better.

She plans to eventually return to modeling.

"I'll be back when I'm ready," Hadid wrote. "I miss you all so much. I love you all so much."

Hadid had previously shared her long-term health struggles, showing photos in which she was hooked up to IV bags. In 2016, she talked to People magazine about modeling while living with Lyme disease.

"Life isn't always what it looks like on the outside," she said at the time, adding that "the hardest part of this journey is to be judged by the way you look instead of the way you feel."

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on Lyme disease.

SOURCES: Instagram; People magazine